Konoha's ninja, even fresh-from-school genin, had to take missions.
They gathered every morning.
Now, Shen Mo followed Sasuke toward Team 7's meeting spot.
Though it was just dawn, the streets already bustled with people, mostly neatly dressed ninja ready for daily missions.
Of course…
Shen Mo felt plenty of gazes on him.
Redeeming a mini-map function again, Shen Mo noticed that among the surrounding dots, many signaled mere "attention," none showing the "hostility" of yesterday's Anbu leader.
Seems yesterday's skirmish changed something.
Probably that final glance's effect.
Even through a surveillance jutsu, Dragon Might's weight must've reached the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's, heart.
—Shen Mo's not to be trifled with.
That aside…
Looking at his Trade Point total in his mind, aside from 20 million reserved for emergency combat, he had over 9 million Trade Points.
Some leftover, plus yesterday's haul from Sasuke.
Maybe… time to buy a power for himself.
Now it was Shen Mo's turn to get excited.
Sure, he could buy one-use items or abilities, but those cost plenty and left him vulnerable to ambushes. Strengthening himself was a must.
Most importantly—
What's the point of earning if you don't spend?
"Let's see, abilities under 9 million…" Shen Mo browsed the list.
He'd long decided his enhancement path.
He knew his limits.
Shen Mo was the type who, even in games, picked ranged roles. Clumsy hands and poor reflexes were one reason, but the main one? Elegance.
Why brawl shirtless when a finger-flick could do?
So…
It's you, telekinesis!
Among fantasy works' most common superpowers, telekinesis was insanely versatile—attack, defense, sometimes scouting, with top-notch stealth, an invisible, untouchable force.
Now, the question: which one?
System-listed abilities were cheaper than custom ones.
At this price…
Looking at the telekinesis options, Shen Mo zeroed in on a particularly strong type.
Tatsumaki's telekinesis.
From the One Punch Manworld.
At her peak, she could raze a city, a human disaster. Even unconscious, her auto-barrier left enemies helpless.
Since it needed little growth, its cost—76 million Trade Points.
Can't afford it.
But her sister's version? Same attributes, just weaker. Only 4 million. Buy it, then enhance.
"This'll do. Later, I'll grab Professor X's psychic powers," Shen Mo decided cheerfully.
The moment he bought and used it, Shen Mo felt a distinct rush, like something bursting in his mind.
As if he'd gained a new sense of control.
An invisible force spread outward.
This was telekinesis…
Pure bliss.
Shen Mo knew from now on, his hands were free. Every action could be handled by telekinesis—fast, convenient, efficient.
Using the remaining 5 million to enhance it…
His telekinesis' strength surged several times over. Just 9 million Trade Points, and Shen Mo felt his destructive power might now rival a weaker Kage.
Gotta earn more.
Shen Mo brimmed with drive.
Sasuke, beside him, had no clue.
In just this short walk, the merchant went from ordinary to Kage-level, using money earned from him.
He just reached their usual grove.
Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura were already waiting.
"You're late, Sasuke," Kakashi said, looking at Sasuke, then at Shen Mo beside him.
Someone new.
Sasuke, never late, was delayed—because of this guy?
"Hey, it's the can uncle from yesterday!" Naruto recognized Shen Mo instantly.
"Can uncle…"
Black lines crossed Shen Mo's forehead.
Even "mysterious, powerful, dashing merchant" would beat that nickname.
Before he could speak, he turned, looking at the other side.
Two people approached.
Tsunade, and… Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lord Hokage, Lady Tsunade," Kakashi said, unprepared for them.
"Why are Lord Hokage and Lady Tsunade here?" Sakura muttered, baffled.
Only Naruto, carefree, waved a greeting.
Shen Mo sized up Konoha's Third Hokage.
Just like the anime.
Short, frail, face speckled with age spots, but a kind smile at his lips.
At the same time…
Sarutobi Hiruzen studied Shen Mo closely.
He looked… utterly ordinary.
Last night, he'd barely slept. When Tsunade came, trading healing potions for cash, he seized the chance, asking her to bring him to this merchant.
"I'm here for Lord Shen Mo," Sarutobi said, approaching with a warm smile.
That one line…
Made Kakashi look at Shen Mo anew.
The Hokage using honorifics?
"You're too kind," Shen Mo said, smiling, as if facing an ordinary old man, not Konoha's most powerful figure.
He even added, "I thought Konoha didn't welcome me."
"Konoha welcomes all friends," Sarutobi said, smile unwavering. "Lord Shen Mo did Tsunade a great favor, so you're Konoha's friend. I'm here to explain last night's incident—it wasn't my intent. A subordinate acted on their own, causing a misunderstanding."
"Oh?" Shen Mo raised an eyebrow.
Not at Sarutobi's words, but at a Hokage personally explaining such a matter.
Even with Shen Mo's miraculous goods and hinted fearsome aura, Sarutobi's boldness was striking.
But…
Shen Mo glanced at Tsunade, smiling faintly beside them.
He got it.
This wasn't just an explanation—it was a test, in person. Bringing Tsunade kept things from getting too tense, huh?
Perfect—
Shen Mo turned, looking at Sasuke, grinning. "Sasuke, didn't you want to quit the team? The Third Hokage's right here. He's got the authority to approve."
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